Little Black Hat

Like Coco Chanel’s little black dress (LBD) published in American Vogue in 1926, the black hat can be simple, classic, and chic. The LBD crossed over from the uniforms of the working class woman (maids, telephone operators, and shopgirls) to the world of haute couture. Over time, as Vogue editors predicted, it has become “sort of a uniform for all women of taste.”

Historically, the black hat includes the aristocratic gentleman’s silk top hat, the villain’s cowboy hat in western movies, and mourning hats with netted veils. Today though, it is now accessible, fashionable, and functional for both men and women in many styles. Often it is as versatile as the little black dress and can be dressed up or down.

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These two black hats were fabricated from a synthetic mesh back softshell rainwear fabric which is water and wind-resistant, yet breathable. The bucket hat and newsboy cap are lined with a polyester material in neutral stripes. The ribbon trim on the bucket hat, hand sewn in place and made from the lining fabric cut on the bias, is reminiscent of a man’s tie.